Urmia Airport

Urmia Airport, also known as Shahid Bakeri International Airport, is not merely a transport hub but a true aerial gateway to the heart of West Azerbaijan. Located in a picturesque valley, it offers travelers a unique opportunity to view the legendary saltwater Lake Urmia and majestic mountain ranges from above even before landing. Despite its compact size, this airport is renowned for its distinctive hospitality and a tranquil atmosphere that stands in stark contrast to the bustle of capital city hubs. Your immersion into the region's culture, where ancient history intertwines with the beauty of rugged nature, begins here.

Features and Advantages of the Airport

The main advantage of Urmia Airport is its convenience and compactness. Thanks to having a single main terminal, passengers do not need to waste time on long transfers; all processes, from check-in to boarding, are quick and intuitive. The airport staff is known for their helpfulness, making the completion of formalities less stressful, even for first-time flyers.

Another important feature is its geographical location. The airport is located just a 15-20 minute drive from the city center, which significantly saves transfer time. Furthermore, its international status allows the airport to handle not only domestic flights from Tehran or Mashhad but also seasonal flights from neighboring countries, as well as service pilgrimage programs, highlighting its importance to the region.

If you need to contact representatives of Urmia Airport (OMH), please use the following contact details:

• Official Website: Generally, information can be found on the Iranian airports portal. It is recommended to search at `urmia.airport.ir`.
• Information Desk Phone: For calls from within Iran, the short number 199 is often used. For international calls, you can use +98 44 3277 7766.
• Address: Iran, West Azerbaijan Province, Urmia, Urmia-Salmas highway.
• Email: An official public email address is often unavailable. It is recommended to use the telephone for communication.
• Social Media: Dedicated social media pages for the airport may be absent. The official website remains the most reliable source of information.
• Lost Luggage Information: For all issues related to lost or damaged luggage, you should primarily contact your airline's representative at the airport.
• Passenger Support Contacts: For general inquiries and support, use the main airport information desk phone number.

Urmia Airport (OMH), also known as Shahid Bakeri International Airport, is located approximately 15 kilometers north of the city center of Urmia. You can get to or from the airport using several methods, which vary in cost and comfort level.

Taxi and Transfer. This is the simplest and most convenient method. A taxi ride from the airport to the city center will take about 20–30 minutes depending on traffic. Cars can be found at the designated stand outside the terminal exit. It is recommended to agree on the fare in advance. For greater convenience, you can pre-book a private transfer through your hotel or an online service. This guarantees a fixed price and a meet-and-greet with the driver in the arrivals hall.

Public Transport. For a more budget-friendly journey, you can consider shared taxis (savari), which depart as they fill up and follow a specific route. This is a popular mode of transport in Iran, but it may require some waiting time. There may not be a direct bus service between the airport and the city center, making this option less convenient, especially for tourists with luggage.

Car Rental and Parking. If you plan to actively travel around the region, renting a car is an excellent solution. Rental agencies operate in Urmia, and you can arrange for a car to be delivered to the airport. For those arriving at the airport in their own or a rented vehicle, parking is available where you can leave your vehicle for both short and long periods.

Alternative Airports. When planning a complex itinerary, it is useful to know about other airports in the region. The largest of these is Tabriz Airport (TBZ), located approximately 115 km away. Also within a few hours' drive are airports in neighboring countries: Ferit Melen Airport (VAN) in Van, Turkey (about 176 km), and Nakhchivan Airport (NAJ) in Azerbaijan (about 172 km). Do not forget to check visa requirements if your route involves crossing borders.

The airport of Urmia (OMH) is a modern and functional aviation hub serving both domestic and international destinations. The airport structure is designed for maximum passenger convenience and consists of one main passenger terminal. This significantly simplifies navigation, as all key zones—from check-in to baggage claim—are located in a single building.

The terminal layout is intuitive. Departure and arrival zones are clearly separated. The Departure Zone is usually located on one level and includes check-in counters, security and passport control points, as well as a comfortable waiting lounge with boarding gates. The Arrival Zone is in another part of the building, where passengers go through border control (for international flights), collect their luggage from conveyor belts, and pass through customs inspection. Signs in Farsi and English help you orient yourself easily.

Due to the terminal's compactness, moving between different zones does not take much time. Since all operations take place in one building, there is no need for shuttles or long walks between terminals. Check-in and screening processes at Urmia Airport generally proceed quite quickly. Nevertheless, it is recommended to arrive at the airport in advance: 1.5-2 hours before a domestic flight and 2.5-3 hours before an international one.

For comfortable navigation through the airport, simply follow the signs and monitor the information on the electronic display boards. The entire path from the terminal entrance to the boarding gate is logical and sequential. If you have any questions, airport staff are always ready to help. Thanks to the simple and clear structure, even travelers visiting this airport for the first time feel confident.

The history of Urmia Airport (OMH), also known as Shahid Bakeri International Airport, begins in 1964. Since its foundation, it has become a key transport hub for the West Azerbaijan province and a vital air gateway in the northwest of Iran. Initially, the airport served primarily domestic flights, connecting the region with the capital and other major cities of the country.

Over time, as the economic and tourism significance of the region grew, Urmia Airport began to expand its operations. Significant steps were taken to modernize the infrastructure, including the runway and navigation equipment, allowing for the accommodation of larger aircraft. An important stage in its history was achieving international status, which opened up direct flights to neighboring countries and significantly increased passenger traffic.

In recent decades, the airport has undergone several phases of reconstruction aimed at improving passenger comfort and safety. One of the most large-scale projects was the construction of a new international terminal. This modernization was intended not only to increase capacity but also to bring service quality in line with international standards, making travel through Urmia even more convenient.

Interestingly, the airport is named after Mehdi Bakeri—an iconic figure in the region's history. Today, Urmia Airport continues to play a strategic role in the development of the local economy, supporting both business connections and tourism flows. Its proximity to the famous Lake Urmia makes it a starting point for many travelers wishing to explore the unique nature and culture of this part of Iran.

Urmia Airport (OMH), being an important regional transport hub, provides passengers with all necessary services for a comfortable wait for their flight. Although it may not boast the scale of capital city airports, conditions here are created so that travelers feel confident before departure or upon arrival in the city of Urmia.

For those feeling hungry, there are several small cafes and snack bars in the terminal where you can have tea, coffee, and a snack. This is also a good opportunity to try local sweets. In the airport shops, you can purchase souvenirs, newspapers, and essential items. The selection generally meets the needs of travelers embarking on short trips.

Passengers can make use of waiting lounges. For those who value enhanced comfort, a VIP lounge offering a more tranquil environment may be available. Access to Wi-Fi is usually provided, although its speed and stability may vary. There are power outlets in the airport building for charging electronic devices, but it is recommended to carry a portable power bank just in case. ATMs and a currency exchange point are provided for financial matters.

The airport is equipped for the needs of various categories of passengers. There is a medical point for first aid. Mother and child rooms are provided for travelers with small children. Passengers with reduced mobility are offered necessary assistance and special facilities for unimpeded movement throughout the terminal.

There are no specialized business centers or conference halls directly within the airport building, which is typical for airports of this size. However, business travelers can utilize appropriate services in city hotels. There are also no hotels on the airport grounds, but in the immediate vicinity and in Urmia itself, one can easily find many accommodation options to suit any taste and budget.

When planning a snack at Urmia Airport (OMH), keep in mind that this is a small regional aviation hub in Iran, and the choice of establishments here is quite modest. Nevertheless, you will be able to find a few options to refresh yourself before departure or after arrival. The main food outlets are concentrated in the main terminal and offer simple but filling dishes and snacks.

Typically, there are a few cafes and small snack bars operating in the airport. Here you can order fresh pastries, sandwiches, as well as drink traditional Iranian tea or coffee. For a more substantial lunch, some establishments may offer simple hot local dishes, such as kebabs or traditional soups. This is a great opportunity to taste authentic regional flavors before leaving.

All food offered at the airport is Halal by default. Vegetarians will find it easier to find suitable options—usually, the menu includes cheese sandwiches, salads, or meat-free pastries. However, travelers with strict dietary restrictions, such as veganism or a gluten-free diet, may find it difficult to find certified dishes. In this case, it is recommended to carry a small supply of food with you.

Dining establishments are located both in the public area (landside), accessible to all visitors, and in the secure area after passing security control (airside). Opening hours are usually tied to the flight schedule, so even with an early departure or late arrival, you will have the opportunity to buy something. Prices at Urmia Airport are quite affordable and do not differ significantly from the city average.

For a quick snack, a sandwich, a pastry, or a local sweet with a cup of tea is ideal. If you have time for a full meal, consider the hot dishes on the main cafe's menu—this will allow you to experience Iranian cuisine and satisfy your hunger before a long journey. Do not miss the chance to try local delicacies, such as baklava or dried fruits, for which the region is famous.

To ensure your journey through the airport of Urmia goes as smoothly as possible, make use of our tips. Planning ahead will help avoid unnecessary stress and make the start or end of your trip more comfortable. The golden rule for any traveler is to allow extra time. For domestic flights, it is recommended to arrive at the airport 2 hours before departure, and for international flights, at least 3 hours prior. This will give you enough time to complete all formalities without rushing.

The check-in and security control process at regional airports is often faster than at major hubs, but one should not rely on this. Have your passport, visa, and ticket ready. During screening, be prepared to remove all electronic devices and liquid containers from your carry-on luggage. Please note that in Iran, there may be separate lines for the security screening of men and women—this is standard practice.

Seat selection on the plane can significantly affect your comfort. If you enjoy admiring the views, choose a window seat. For those who value freedom of movement and want to be able to stretch their legs, the best option is an aisle seat. Seats in the front of the cabin usually allow for a quicker exit upon arrival, while emergency exit seats offer more legroom but may have restrictions.

Strict requirements apply to carry-on luggage. All liquids (gels, creams, aerosols) must be in containers of no more than 100 ml and packed in a single transparent bag. It is prohibited to carry sharp objects, weapons, or flammable substances in the cabin. Always check your airline's current rules to avoid unpleasant surprises during screening.

Passengers with connections should clarify in advance whether they need to collect their luggage in Urmia or if it will be automatically forwarded to the next flight. When passing through customs control, be prepared to declare large amounts of currency and valuable items. Familiarize yourself with the rules for importing and exporting goods, especially regarding specific categories such as carpets, antiques, or caviar.

To save time and money, use online check-in if your airline provides this option. Prices for food and drinks at airports are traditionally higher, so you can bring an empty water bottle to fill after passing security, as well as bring light snacks from home.

In the event of a flight delay or cancellation, contact your airline representative first. They are obliged to provide you with current information, and in case of a long wait, vouchers for meals or hotel accommodation. Monitor the information on the departure boards and do not leave the transit area unless necessary.